BREAKING: Bobcats issue quote on Hornets name

Following the announcement today by the NBA's New Orleans Hornets to change their team name to the Pelicans next season, the Charlotte Bobcats released a statement regarding the decision.

“We are aware of the impending change regarding the team nickname in New Orleans," said Bobcats Sports & Entertainment President and COO Fred Whitfield. "We are currently in contact with the NBA and conducting our own due diligence relative to this matter. We will not have any further comment until we have completed this process.”

The Bobcats have reportedly contacted the Harris Interactive polling company to survey fans and season ticket holders about a potential name change, which would reportedly cost the team $3 million.

Through Harris Interactive, the team had reportedly sent out questionnaires to season ticket holders asking them their input on a potential name change from the Bobcats to the Hornets.

Crowd chats of "Charlotte Hornets" have been heard during several recent home games, including on Saturday against Sacramento by many members of a pro-Hornets group that operates the website, www.bringbackthebuzz.com[3].

The Bobcats are back in action Saturday at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 7:30 p.m.